Barrier Islands of Florida

The splendor of Florida can be found in its hundreds of barrier islands. Barrier Islands are long, thin sandy stretches of land that protect the coast from the full force of storm waves. Between the island and the mainland is a calm water body such as a bay. Florida has more barrier islands than any other state. They are idyllic places to enjoy the tropical sunshine.

Panhandle There are many barrier islands in the Florida panhandle and many are connected via bridge for easy access. Some are simply undeveloped sandy beaches. St. George Island boasts a state park and 22 miles of sandy beaches. Santa Rosa Island across from the Pensacola Bay is a 40 mile island of beaches which often has strong currents conducive to surfing!

North East Northeast Florida’s many barrier islands are very easy to island hop! Amelia Island is very well known for its plantation and superb resorts. Just across the Cumberland Sound from Amelia Island (although technically in Georgia) is the scenic, wildlife habitat of Cumberland Island. The Talbot Islands are just east of Jacksonville and feature Florida State Parks with hiking trails, fishing, kayaking and horseback riding.

West Coast As regular Gals followers know, the Suncoast of Florida has many wonderful islands to visit. Just to name a few, Siesta Key has the top rated beach and Anna Maria Island is a quaint, old Florida experience.

South East In southeast Florida, many barrier islands help to form the Intracoastal Highway. John’s

Island off the coast of Vero Beach is an exclusive residential community. Jupiter Island off the coast of Palm Beach is a popular home to upscale residents and is said to have one of the highest per capita incomes in the United States.

These do not even scratch the surface of the many islands to explore and of course, the Keys are ubiquitous and the subject of many posts. All of these islands add to the unique experiences offered in Florida if you take the time to explore off the beaten path!

Have you visited any of the islands in Florida? Or which one is on your list? Let us know in the comments!

Wow your pictures are gorgeous! I am going to Florida for the first time in September (I’m from the UK) and we’re heading to Orlando for the kids but I’d love to visit somewhere like this. Are any of them driveable? We’ll be there for two weeks so I’d love to do a bit of exploring rather than just Disney!

That’s great! Sarasota and the Siesta Key area are about a 2 hour drive. Orlando is about an hour or so drive from some great beaches on the East Coast of Florida though, so that might be a good option! Have a great time!

I went to southern Florida for the first time last October and it only made me realize how much there is to see over on that side of the country! The barrier islands sound absolutely gorgeous, will definitely have to check them out next time I’m in the region.